Vertical fuse memory in one-time program memory cells

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a one-time program memory device that includes a source-line arranged over a bottom dielectric layer. Further, a bit-line is arranged directly over the source-line in a first direction. A channel isolation structure is arranged between the source-line and the bit-line. A channel structure is also arranged between the source-line and the bit-line and is arranged beside the channel isolation structure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A vertical gate electrode extends in the first direction from the bottom dielectric layer to the bit-line and is arranged beside the channel isolation structure in the second direction. The one-time program memory device further includes a gate dielectric layer arranged between the vertical gate electrode and the bit-line, the source-line, and the channel structure.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.16/885,362, filed on May 28, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/948,908, filed on Dec. 17, 2019. Thecontents of the above-referenced Patent Applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many modern day electronic devices include electronic memory. Electronicmemory is a device configured to store bits of data in respective memorycells. A memory cell is a circuit configured to store a bit of data,typically using one or more transistors. One type of electronic memoryis one-time program (OTP) memory. OTP memory is read-only memory thatmay only be programmed (e.g., written to) once.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of anintegrated chip having two vertical fuse one-time program (OTP) memorycells sharing a vertical gate electrode.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of some embodiments of a first verticalfuse OTP transistor and a second vertical fuse OTP transistor coupled tosame word-line.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments ofvertical fuse OTP memory cells arranged over an interconnect structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments ofvertical fuse OTP memory cells arranged in a 2 by 2 vertical fuse OTPmemory array.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments ofvertical fuse OTP memory cells arranged in a 4 by 1 vertical fuse OTPmemory array.

FIGS. 6-14 illustrate cross-sectional views of some embodiments of amethod of forming vertical fuse OTP memory cells arranged in a 2 by 2vertical fuse OTP memory array.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of some embodiments of the methodillustrated in FIGS. 6-14 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the provided subjectmatter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are describedbelow to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merelyexamples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formationof a first feature over or on a second feature in the description thatfollows may include embodiments in which the first and second featuresare formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in whichadditional features may be formed between the first and second features,such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Inaddition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/orletters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

A one-time program (OTP) memory cell may include a fuse transistorcomprising a polysilicon or metal fuse and coupled in series with a readtransistor. Before being programmed, the OTP memory cell may initiallybe in a low resistance state (e.g., logical ‘0’) such that the fuse isconductive. After being programmed by the application of a large voltagebias across the fuse, the fuse of the fuse transistor is damaged, whichopens the circuit, and the OTP memory cell may be in a high resistancestate (e.g., logical ‘1’). Repairing the broken fuse in the fusetransistor cannot be reversed by a different write operation, and thus,the fuse OTP memory cell can only be programmed (e.g., written to) onetime. In such embodiments, the read transistor and the fuse transistormay be planar field effect transistors (FETs). Planar FETs take up alarge amount of area on a substrate, thereby decreasing device densityon the substrate density (e.g., number of devices per area ofsubstrate). Further, by having two planar FETs per OTP memory cell,device density is also decreased.

Various embodiments in the present disclosure relate to a vertical fuseOTP memory cell to increase device density (e.g., number of devices perarea of substrate) at a low-cost manufacturing process. In suchembodiments, the vertical fuse OTP memory cell comprises one verticalfuse OTP transistor per vertical fuse OTP memory cell without the use ofa read transistor, thereby increasing device density. A first verticalfuse OTP transistor comprises a source region comprising and controlledby a first source line (SL) and a drain region comprising and controlledby a first bit-line (BL). The first BL may directly overlie the first SLsuch that the first BL and the first SL are vertically arranged toincrease device density. A first channel isolation structure isvertically arranged between the first BL and the first SL, and a firstchannel structure is also vertically arranged between the first BL andthe first SL and laterally beside the first channel isolation structure,in some embodiments. A vertical gate electrode that also serves as afirst word-line (WL) is arranged laterally next to the first channelstructure. In some embodiments, a gate dielectric layer separates afirst side of the vertical gate electrode from the first BL, the firstSL, and the first channel structure.

In some embodiments, a second channel structure, a second BL, a secondSL, and a second channel isolation structure are arranged on a secondside of the vertical gate electrode, wherein the second side is oppositeto the first side to form a second vertical fuse OTP transistor.Although the first and second vertical fuse OTP transistors share thesame vertical gate electrode, the first vertical fuse OTP transistor andthe second vertical fuse OTP transistor may be individually operated(e.g., read operation or write operation) by selective use of the firstSL, second SL, first BL, and/or second BL. Thus, in some embodiments, asingle vertical gate electrode controls at least two vertical fuse OTPtransistors and thus, two vertical fuse OTP memory cells, therebyreducing costs and further increasing device density.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view 100 of some embodiments of avertical fuse OTP memory array comprising a first and second verticalfuse OTP transistors.

The cross-sectional view 100 of FIG. 1 includes a first vertical fuseOTP transistor 101 arranged laterally beside a second vertical fuse OTPtransistor 103 in an x-direction. In some embodiments, the first andsecond vertical fuse OTP transistors 101, 103 are arranged over a bottomdielectric layer 102. In some embodiments, the first vertical fuse OTPtransistor 101 and the second vertical fuse OTP transistor 103 share avertical gate electrode 116, which reduces the size of the first andsecond OTP transistors 101, 103 and reduces manufacturing costs.

In some embodiments, the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101comprises a first source/drain region 104 over the bottom dielectriclayer 102, and a second source/drain region 106 arranged directly overthe first source/drain region 104 in a y-direction that is perpendicularto the x-direction. In some embodiments, a first channel isolationstructure 108 is arranged directly between the first and secondsource/drain regions 104, 106. Further, in some embodiments, a firstchannel structure 110 is arranged directly between the first and secondsource/drain regions 104, 106 in the y-direction and arranged on a firstside of the first channel isolation structure 108 in the x-direction. Insome embodiments, a second channel structure 112 is arranged directlybetween the first and second source/drain regions 104, 106 in they-direction and arranged on a second side of the second channelisolation structure 128 in the x-direction. In such embodiments, thefirst and second channel structures 110, 112 extend in the y-directionfrom the first source/drain region 104 to the second source/drain region106. In some embodiments, a first dielectric isolation structure 114 isarranged directly over the second source/drain region 106. Further, insome embodiments, a gate dielectric layer 118 is arranged on outersidewalls of the first dielectric isolation structure 114, the firstsource/drain region 104, the second source/drain region 106, and thefirst channel isolation structure 108. The first and second channelstructures 110, 112 separate the first channel isolation structure 108from the gate dielectric layer 118.

In some embodiments, the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101comprises a vertical gate electrode 116 that is arranged on the firstside of the first channel isolation structure 108 in the x-direction.The vertical gate electrode 116 extends from the first source/drainregion 104 to the first dielectric isolation structure 114 in they-direction. Further, the gate dielectric layer 118 directly contactsand covers outer sidewalls and a bottom surface of the vertical gateelectrode 116.

In some embodiments, the second vertical fuse OTP transistor 103comprises a third source/drain region 124 arranged over the bottomdielectric layer 102; a fourth source/drain region 126 arranged directlyover the third source/drain region 124; and a second channel isolationstructure 128 arranged directly between the third and fourthsource/drain regions 124, 126. Further, in some embodiments, a thirdchannel structure 130 is arranged on a second side of the second channelisolation structure 128, and a fourth channel structure 132 is arrangedon a first side of the second channel isolation structure 128. In suchembodiments, the third and fourth channel structures 130, 132 extend inthe y-direction from the third source/drain region 124 to the fourthsource/drain region 126. In some embodiments, a second dielectricisolation structure 134 is arranged directly over the fourthsource/drain region 126. In some embodiments, the gate dielectric layer118 surrounds outer sidewalls of the third source/drain region 124, thefourth source/drain region 126, the third channel structure 130, thefourth channel structure 132, and the second dielectric isolationstructure 134. The second vertical fuse OTP transistor 103 alsocomprises the vertical gate electrode 116.

In some embodiments, to reduce the size of the first and second OTPtransistors 101, 103 and to simplify the manufacturing process, thefirst source/drain region 104, the second source/drain region 106, thethird source/drain region 124, and the fourth source/drain region 126may also serve as a first source-line SL1, a first bit-line BL1, asecond source-line SL2, and a second bit-line BL2, respectively.Further, in such embodiments, the vertical gate electrode 116 may serveas a first word-line WL1. In such embodiments, the first vertical fuseOTP transistor 101 may be operated (e.g., read from or written to) byselectively operating the first bit-line BL1, the first source-line SL1,and the first word-line WL1 to apply a bias across the first channelstructure 110. Similarly, in such embodiments, the second vertical fuseOTP transistor 103 may be operated (e.g., read from or written to) forby selectively operating the second bit-line BL2, the second source-lineSL2 and the first word-line WL1 to apply a bias across the third channelstructure 130. In some embodiments like FIG. 1 , because the second andfourth channel structures 112, 132 are not arranged near the verticalgate electrode 116, the second and fourth channel structures 112, 132are not involved in data storage.

Further, the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101 may correspond to afirst vertical OTP fuse memory cell, and the second vertical fuse OTPtransistor 103 may correspond to a second vertical OTP fuse memory cell.Thus, the first and second vertical OTP fuse memory cells do notcomprise a read transistor and a fuse transistor, which also reduces thesize of the overall device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic 200 of some embodiments of the first andsecond transistors coupled to control circuitry.

In some embodiments, the bit-lines (e.g., BL1, BL2) and the source-lines(e.g., SL1, SL2) extend in a z-direction. The z-direction isperpendicular to the x-direction and to the y-direction. Further, insome embodiments, the first bit-line BL1 may be spaced apart from thefirst source-line SL1 in the y-direction and spaced apart from thesecond bit-line BL2 in the x-direction. In some embodiments, the firstword-line WL1 may extend in the y-direction. As illustrated in FIG. 2 ,the first channel structure 110 of the first vertical fuse OTPtransistor 101 and the third channel structure 130 of the secondvertical fuse OTP transistor 103 are coupled to the first word-line WL1,whereas the second channel structure 112 of the first vertical fuse OTPtransistor 101 and the fourth channel structure 132 of the secondvertical fuse transistor 103 are not coupled to the first word-line WL1.

It will be appreciated that the first bit-line BL1 and the firstsource-line SL1 are coupled to both the first and second channelstructures 110, 112 of the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101 asillustrated in FIG. 1 . However, for ease of illustration, because thefirst channel structure 110 of the first vertical fuse OTP transistor101 is involved in data storage whereas the second channel structure 112of the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101 is not involved in datastorage, the first bit-line BL1 and the first source-line SL1 arecoupled to the first channel structure 110 of the first vertical fuseOTP transistor 101 in FIG. 2 . Similarly, the second bit-line BL2 andthe second SL2 are coupled to the third channel structure 130 of thesecond vertical fuse OTP transistor 103 in FIG. 2 .

Further, as illustrated in the schematic 200 of FIG. 2 , the first andsecond source-lines SL1, SL2 are coupled to source-line (SL) controlcircuitry 202; the first and second bit-lines BL1, BL2 are coupled tobit-line (BL) control circuitry 204; and the first word-line WL1 iscoupled to word-line (WL) control circuitry 206. The SL controlcircuitry 202, the BL control circuitry 204, and the WL controlcircuitry 206 can selectively operate signals (e.g., voltage, current)to the source-lines (SL1, SL2), the bit-lines (BL1, BL2), and/or theword-line (WL1), respectively, to perform read and write operations tothe first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101 or the second vertical fuseOTP transistor 103.

After manufacturing and before programming the first and second verticalfuse OTP transistors 101, 103, the first and second vertical fuse OTPtransistors 101, 103 are in a low resistance memory state (e.g., alogical ‘0’), wherein the first through fourth channel structures 110,112, 130, 132 are substantially conductive and undamaged. To program thefirst vertical fuse OTP transistor 101, for example, a write operationmay be selectively applied to the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101while the second vertical fuse OTP transistor 103 remains “OFF.” Toperform the write operation to the first vertical fuse OTP transistor101, the WL control circuitry 206 applies a first write signal (e.g.,current, voltage) to the first word-line WL1; the BL control circuitry204 selectively applies a second write signal (e.g., current, voltage)to the first bit-line BL1 and not the second bit-line BL2; and the SLcontrol circuitry 202 applies a third write signal (e.g., current,voltage) to the first source-line SL1 and not the second source-lineSL2. In some embodiments, the first source-line SL1 is grounded. Basedon the first, second, and third write signals, a high-bias signal isapplied across and travels through the first channel structure 110 ofthe first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101 to physically damage andbreak the fuse in the first channel structure 110, thereby changing thefirst channel structure 110 from a low resistance state (e.g., a logical‘0’) to a high resistance state (e.g., a logical ‘1’). The physicaldamage associated with the high resistance state (e.g., a logical ‘1’)is substantially irreversible, and thus, the first vertical fuse OTPtransistor 101 can only be written to once. Advantageously, because thephysical damage is substantially irreversible, the first OTP memory cell(i.e., the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101) may reliably retainthe high resistance state (e.g., a logical ‘1’) for long periods of timeand under high temperatures (e.g., greater than 150 degrees Celsius).

To perform a read operation on the second vertical fuse OTP transistor103, for example, the WL control circuitry 206 applies a first readsignal (e.g., current, voltage) to the first word-line WL1; the BLcontrol circuitry 204 selectively applies a second read signal (e.g.,current, voltage) to the second bit-line BL2 and not the first bit-lineBL1; and the SL control circuitry 202 applies a third read signal (e.g.,current, voltage) to the second source-line SL2 and not the firstsource-line SL2. Based on the first, second, and third read signals, alow-bias is applied across the third channel structure 130 of the secondvertical fuse OTP transistor 103 that does not physically damage thethird channel structure 130, and thus, the memory state (e.g., highresistance state corresponding to a logical ‘1’ or a low resistancestate corresponding to a logical ‘0’) may be read from the secondvertical fuse OTP transistor 103.

Thus, the first and second vertical fuse OTP transistors 101, 103 mayshare a same first word line WL1 (i.e., the vertical gate electrode 116of FIG. 1 ) to increase device density and may be reliably andselectively operated by the SL, BL, and WL control circuitry 202, 204,206. It will be appreciated that more vertical fuse OTP transistorsand/or more source-lines, bit-lines, and word-lines than what isillustrated in the schematic 200 of FIG. 2 are also within the scope ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view 300 of some embodiments of thefirst and second vertical fuse transistors 101, 103 arranged over aninterconnect structure.

In some embodiments, the bottom dielectric layer 102 is arrangeddirectly over an interconnect structure 303 comprising interconnect vias308 and interconnect wires 310 embedded in an interconnect dielectricstructure 304. The interconnect structure 303 is arranged over asubstrate 302. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device 306 isarranged on or within the substrate 302 and is coupled to theinterconnect vias 308 and the interconnect wires 310. For example, insome embodiments, the semiconductor device 306 may be or comprise atransistor device such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effecttransistor (MOSFET). In such embodiments, the semiconductor device 306may comprise a first MOSFET source/drain region 306 a and a secondMOSFET source/drain region 306 b on or within the substrate 302, whereina MOSFET gate electrode 306 d is arranged over the substrate 302 andbetween the first and second MOSFET source/drain regions 306 a, 306 b.In some embodiments, a MOSFET gate dielectric layer 306 c is arrangeddirectly between the substrate 302 and the MOSFET gate electrode 306 d.It will be appreciated that in some other embodiments, the semiconductordevice 306 may be, for example, some other type of transistor such as,for example, a fin field-effect transistor, a nanosheet field effecttransistor, or some other suitable transistor.

In some embodiments, the vertical gate electrode 116 extends through thebottom dielectric layer 102 to directly contact an interconnect wire 310of the interconnect structure 303. In such embodiments, the interconnectstructure 303 and the semiconductor device 306 may correspond to atleast a portion of the WL control circuitry (206 of FIG. 2 ). In otherembodiments, an interconnect structure 303 and/or semiconductor devices306 may be arranged over the vertical gate electrode WL1.

Further, in some embodiments, the first source-line SL1, the firstbit-line BL1, the second source-line SL2, and the second bit-line BL2may comprise a same material such as, for example, doped polysilicon,tungsten, cobalt, nickel, nickel platinum, titanium nitride, or someother suitable material. In some embodiments, the first word-line WL1may comprise a semiconductor material such as polysilicon or aconductive material such as, for example, titanium nitride, tungsten, orsome other suitable conductive material. In some embodiments, the first,second, third, and fourth channel structures 110, 112, 130, 132 maycomprise a same material, such as, for example, polysilicon, molybdenumsulfide, tungsten selenide, molybdenum selenide, indium gallium zincoxide, or some other suitable semiconductor material.

In some embodiments, the gate dielectric layer 118 may comprise silicondioxide or a high-k dielectric material, such as, for example, hafniumoxide, zirconium-doped hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide, lanthanum oxide,or some other suitable high-k dielectric material. In some embodiments,the bottom dielectric layer 102, the first and second channel isolationstructures 108, 128, and the first and second dielectric isolationstructures 114, 134 comprise the same and/or different dielectricmaterials such as, for example, a nitride (e.g., silicon nitride,silicon oxynitride), a carbide (e.g., silicon carbide), an oxide (e.g.,silicon oxide), borosilicate glass (BSG), phosphoric silicate glass(PSG), borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), a low-k oxide (e.g., a carbondoped oxide, SiCOH), or the like. In some embodiments, for example, thefirst and second channel isolation structures 108, 128 are selectivelypatterned, and thus, the first and second channel isolation structures108, 128 comprise a different dielectric material than the bottomdielectric layer 102 and the first and second dielectric isolationstructures 114, 134.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view 400 of some embodiments of avertical fuse OTP memory array arranged in a 2 by 2 OTP memory cellorientation.

In some embodiments, a third vertical fuse OTP transistor 401 isarranged directly over the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101, and afourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403 is arranged directly over thesecond vertical fuse OTP transistor 103. In such embodiments, the thirdvertical fuse OTP transistor 401 corresponds to a third OTP memory cell,and the fourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403 corresponds to theresulting OTP memory array comprises 2 vertical fuse OTP memory cells by2 vertical fuse OTP memory cells. In some embodiments, the vertical gateelectrode 116 extends in the y-direction directly between the first andsecond vertical fuse OTP transistors 101, 103 and directly between thethird and fourth vertical fuse OTP transistors 401, 403. Thus, in someembodiments, the same vertical gate electrode 116 and thus, the samefirst word-line WL1, is shared amongst four vertical gate transistors(e.g., 101, 103, 401, 403).

In some embodiments, the third vertical fuse OTP transistor 401comprises a fifth source/drain region 404, which corresponds to a thirdsource-line SL3, that is arranged directly over the first dielectricisolation structure 114. Further, the third vertical fuse OTP transistor401 comprises, in some embodiments, a fifth channel structure 410arranged on a first side of a third channel isolation structure 408, anda sixth channel structure 412 arranged on a second side of the thirdchannel isolation structure 408. In some embodiments, the third channelisolation structure 408 and the fifth and sixth channel structures 410,412 are arranged directly between the fifth source/drain region 404/thethird source-line SL3 and a sixth source/drain region 406 thatcorresponds to a third bit-line BL3. In some embodiments, a thirddielectric isolation structure 414 is arranged directly over the thirdbit-line BL3. Further, in some embodiments, the fifth channel structure410 is arranged directly between the third bit-line BL3 and the thirdsource-line SL3 in the y-direction and is arranged directly between thethird channel isolation structure 408 and the first word-line WL1 in thex-direction. Thus, the third vertical fuse OTP transistor 401 may beoperated by selectively applying signals (e.g., currents, voltages) tothe third bit-line BL3, the third source-line SL3, and the firstword-line WL1 without applying signals to the first, second, and fourthbit-lines or source-lines BL1, BL2, BL4, SL1, SL2, SL4.

In some embodiments, the fourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403comprises a seventh source/drain region 424, which corresponds to afourth source-line SL4, that is arranged directly over the seconddielectric isolation structure 134. Further, the fourth vertical fuseOTP transistor 403 comprises, in some embodiments, a seventh channelstructure 430 arranged on a second side of a fourth channel isolationstructure 428, and an eighth channel structure 432 arranged on a firstside of the fourth channel isolation structure 428. In some embodiments,the fourth channel isolation structure 428 and the seventh and eighthchannel structures 430, 432 are arranged directly between the seventhsource/drain region 424/the fourth source-line SL4 and an eighthsource/drain region 426 that corresponds to a fourth bit-line BL4. Insome embodiments, a fourth dielectric isolation structure 434 isarranged directly over the third bit-line BL3. Further, in someembodiments, the seventh channel structure 430 is arranged directlybetween the fourth bit-line BL4 and the fourth source-line SL4 in they-direction and is arranged directly between the fourth channelisolation structure 428 and the first word-line WL1 in the x-direction.Thus, the fourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403 may be operated byselectively applying signals (e.g., currents, voltages) to the fourthbit-line BL4, the fourth source-line SL4, and the first word-line WL1without applying signals to the first, second, and third bit-lines orsource-lines BL1, BL2, BL3, SL1, SL2, SL3.

Thus, it will be appreciated that multiple vertical fuse transistors maybe vertically stacked upon one another and sharing a same word line toreduce the size of a vertical fuse OTP memory array in at least they-direction. Further, in some embodiments, each vertical fuse OTPtransistor (e.g., 101, 103, 401, 403) may have a first pitch P₁ measuredin the y-direction from a bottom surface of the source line (e.g., SL1,SL2, SL3, SL4) to a top surface of the dielectric isolation structure(e.g., 114, 134, 414, 434). In some embodiments, the first pitch P₁ maybe in a range of between, for example, 50 nanometers and approximately250 nanometers. Further, in some embodiments of a vertical fuse OTPmemory array, the memory array may have a first width w₁ measuredbetween outermost sidewalls of the gate dielectric layer 118 in thex-direction. Further, in such embodiments, the first width w₁ mayinclude two vertical fuse OTP transistors (e.g., 101 and 103, 401 and403), In some embodiments, the first width w₁ may be in a range ofbetween, for example, approximately 90 nanometers and approximately 250nanometers. It will be appreciated that other values for the first pitchP₁ and the first width w₁ are also within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view 500 of some embodiments of avertical fuse OTP memory array arranged in a 4 by 1 OTP memory cellorientation.

In some embodiments, a second vertical gate electrode 516 thatcorresponds to a second word-line WL2 may be arranged on the first sideof the second channel isolation structure 128 and extends from thebottom dielectric layer 102 to the second dielectric isolation structure134 in the y-direction. Further, in such embodiments, the gatedielectric layer 118 may separate the second source-line SL2, the fourthchannel structure 132, the second bit-line BL2, and the seconddielectric isolation structure 134 from the second word-line WL2. Insuch embodiments, a third vertical fuse OTP transistor 401 may behorizontally arranged beside the second vertical fuse OTP transistor 103in the x-direction, wherein the third vertical fuse OTP transistor 401is operated by applying a bias across the fourth channel structure 132based on signals (e.g., currents, voltages) from the second source-lineSL2, the second bit-line BL2, and the second word-line WL2. Thus, insuch embodiments, the fourth channel structure 132 is used for datastorage.

Further, in some embodiments, the third source-line SL3 and the thirdbit-line BL3 may be arranged beside the second word-line WL2 in thex-direction. In some embodiments, the fifth channel structure 410 isarranged beside the second word-line WL2 in the x-direction, and thethird channel isolation structure 408 is arranged between the fifthchannel structure 410 and the sixth channel structure 412. In suchembodiments, a fourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403 may behorizontally arranged beside the third vertical fuse OTP transistor 401in the x-direction, wherein the fourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403is operated by applying a bias across the fifth channel structure 410based on signals (e.g., currents, voltages) from the third source-lineSL3, the third bit-line BL3, and the second word-line WL2.

In some embodiments, the resulting OTP memory array illustrated in FIG.5 comprises 4 vertical fuse OTP memory cells by 1 vertical fuse OTPmemory cells. In such embodiments, the second and third vertical fuseOTP transistors 103, 401 may share the second bit-line BL2 and thesecond source-line SL2. In some embodiments, reliable and selectivecontrol of the second vertical fuse OTP transistor 103 versus the thirdvertical fuse OTP transistor 401 may be difficult to achieve. Thus, insome other embodiments (not shown), an isolation structure may extendcompletely through the second dielectric isolation structure, the secondbit-line BL2, the second channel isolation structure 128, and the secondsource-line SL2 such that the second and third vertical fuse OTPtransistors 103, 401 do not share the same second source-line SL2 andthe same second bit-line BL2, and thus, may be individually operatedmore reliably.

FIGS. 6-14 illustrate cross-sectional views 600-1400 of some embodimentsof a method of forming a vertical fuse OTP memory array. Although FIGS.6-14 are described in relation to a method, it will be appreciated thatthe structures disclosed in FIGS. 6-14 are not limited to such a method,but instead may stand alone as structures independent of the method.

As shown in cross-sectional view 600, in some embodiments, a firstconductive layer 602 is formed over a bottom dielectric layer 102; afirst dielectric layer 604 is formed over the first conductive layer602; a second conductive layer 606 is formed over the first dielectriclayer 604; a second dielectric layer 608 is formed over the secondconductive layer 606; a third conductive layer 610 is formed over thesecond dielectric layer 608; a third dielectric layer 612 is formed overthe third conductive layer 610; a fourth conductive layer 614 is formedover the third dielectric layer 612; and a fourth dielectric layer 616is formed over the fourth conductive layer 614. Further, in someembodiments, the bottom dielectric layer 102 is formed over a substrateand/or interconnect structure, as shown in the cross-sectional view 300of FIG. 3 , for example. In some embodiments, the bottom dielectriclayer 102, the first conductive layer 602, the first dielectric layer604, the second conductive layer 606, the second dielectric layer 608,the third conductive layer 610, the third dielectric layer 612, thefourth conductive layer 614, and the fourth dielectric layer 616 mayeach be formed by way of deposition processes (e.g., chemical vapordeposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layerdeposition (ALD), etc.).

In some embodiments, the bottom dielectric layer 102, the firstdielectric layer 604, the second dielectric layer 608, and the thirddielectric layer 612, and the fourth dielectric layer 616 each comprisea dielectric material such as, for example, a nitride (e.g., siliconnitride, silicon oxynitride), a carbide (e.g., silicon carbide), anoxide (e.g., silicon oxide), borosilicate glass (BSG), phosphoricsilicate glass (PSG), borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), a low-k oxide(e.g., a carbon doped oxide, SiCOH), or the like. In some embodiments,the first dielectric layer 604 and the third dielectric layer 612comprise a same dielectric material that is different than dielectricmaterials of the bottom dielectric layer 102, the second dielectriclayer 608, and the fourth dielectric layer 616.

In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth conductivelayers 602, 606, 610, 614 comprise a same material such as, for example,doped polysilicon, tungsten, cobalt, nickel, nickel platinum, titaniumnitride, or some other suitable conductive material. In otherembodiments, the first and third conductive layers 602, 610 may comprisea first conductive material, whereas the second and fourth conductivelayers 606, 614 may comprise a second conductive material different thanthe first conductive material.

As shown in cross-sectional view 700 of FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, amasking structure 702 is formed over the fourth dielectric layer 616. Insome embodiments, the masking structure 702 may be formed usingphotolithography and removal (e.g., etching) processes. In someembodiments, the masking structure 702 comprises a photoresist materialor a hard mask material. Further, in some embodiments, the maskingstructure 702 comprises a first opening 704 over a center portion of thefourth dielectric layer 616 and comprises second and third openings 706,708 over outer portions of the fourth dielectric layer 616.

As shown in cross-sectional view 800 of FIG. 8 , a first removal processis performed to remove portions of the first through fourth conductivelayers 602, 606, 610, 614 and the first through fourth dielectric layers604, 608, 612, 616 that do not directly underlie the masking structure702. In some embodiments, the first removal process is an etchingprocess that is substantially vertical in the y-direction. Thus, in someembodiments, the first removal process may comprise a vertical dryetching process, for example. In some embodiments, the first removalprocess does not remove the bottom dielectric layer 102. In someembodiments, the bottom dielectric layer 102 may comprise a materialsubstantially resistant to removal by the first removal process, orremoval of the bottom dielectric layer 102 is prevented by etch timecontrol.

After the first removal process of FIG. 8 , a first stack of layers 804and a second stack of layers 806 are formed over the bottom dielectriclayer 102 and are spaced apart from one another by a trench 802. Thetrench 802 of FIG. 8 underlies the first opening 704 of FIG. 7 in themasking structure 702.

As shown in cross-sectional view 900 of FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, asecond removal process 902 is performed to selectively remove outerportions of the first and third dielectric layers 604, 612 of the firstand second stacks of layers 804, 806 in the x-direction. In suchembodiments, the second removal process 902 may be a substantiallyisotropic removal process in order to remove the outer portions of thefirst and third dielectric layers 604, 612 in the x-direction. In suchembodiments, the second removal process 902 may comprise an isotropicdry or wet etchant. Further, the second removal process 902 removes theouter portions of the first and third dielectric layers 604, 612 withoutremoving other portions of other exposed layers (e.g., 102, 602, 606,608, 610, 614, 616) in the first and second stacks of layers 804, 806.Thus, in some embodiments, the first and third dielectric layers 604,612 may comprise a different material than the other layers in FIG. 9such that the outer portions of the first and third dielectric layers604, 612 may be selectively removed by the second removal process 902.Further, in some embodiments, the second removal process 902 removesabout a first distance di of the outer portions of the first and thirddielectric layers 604, 612 that is measured in the x-direction. In someembodiments, the first distance di may be in a range of betweenapproximately 5 nanometers and approximately 50 nanometers.

Further, in some embodiments, the masking structure (702 of FIG. 8 ) maybe removed before the second removal process 902. In other embodiments,the masking structure (702 of FIG. 8 ) may remain on the first andsecond stacks of layers 804, 806 during and after the second removalprocess 902. In such other embodiments, the masking structure (702 ofFIG. 8 ) may be removed in a later step of the method.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1000 of FIG. 10 , in some embodiments,a channel material 1002 may be formed over the bottom dielectric layer102 and directly contacting outer surfaces of the first and thirddielectric layers 604, 612. In some embodiments, the channel material1002 may be formed by way of a deposition process (e.g., CVD, PVD,PE-CVD, ALD, sputtering, etc.). In some embodiments, the channelmaterial 1002 completely fills the trench (802 of FIG. 8 ) between thefirst and second stacks of layers 804, 806. In other embodiments, thechannel material 1002 may exhibit more of a conformal layer over andaround the first and second stacks of layers 804, 806 and thus, notcompletely fill the trench (802 of FIG. 8 ). Further, in someembodiments, the channel material 1002 comprises polysilicon, molybdenumsulfide, tungsten selenide, molybdenum selenide, indium gallium zincoxide, or some other suitable semiconductor material.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1100 of FIG. 11 , a third removalprocess may be performed to remove portions of the channel material(1002 of FIG. 10 ) that do not directly underlie the fourth dielectriclayer 616 of the first and second stacks of layers 804, 806. In suchembodiments, the remaining channel material (1002 of FIG. 10 ) formschannel structures 1102 that are arranged on outer sidewalls of thefirst and third dielectric layers 604, 612 and that directly underliethe fourth dielectric layer 616 of the first or second stacks of layers804, 806. In some embodiments, the third removal process may comprise anetching process conducted in the y-direction. Further, in someembodiments, the masking structure (702 of FIG. 8 ) is used to protectthe fourth dielectric layer 616 from the third removal process, whereasin other embodiments, a masking structure is not used, and the thirdremoval process does not affect or does not significantly affect thefourth dielectric layer 616. After formation, the channel structures1102 are substantially conductive and thus, are in a low resistivestate.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1200 of FIG. 12 , in some embodiments,a gate dielectric material 1202 is formed over and around the first andsecond stacks of layers 804, 806. In some embodiments, the gatedielectric material 1202 is a substantially conformal layer and isformed by way of a deposition process (e.g., CVD, PVD, PE-CVD, ALD,sputtering, etc.). In some embodiments, the gate dielectric material1202 does not completely fill the trench 802, and thus, the trench 802of FIG. 12 is defined by surfaces of the gate dielectric material 1202arranged between the first and second stacks of layers 804, 806. In someembodiments, the gate dielectric material 1202 comprises, for example,silicon dioxide or a high-k dielectric material, such as, for example,hafnium oxide, zirconium-doped hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide, lanthanumoxide, or some other suitable high-k dielectric material.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1300 of FIG. 13 , in some embodiments,a gate electrode material 1302 is formed over the gate dielectricmaterial 1202 and within the trench (802 of FIG. 12 ). Thus, the gateelectrode material 1302 and the gate dielectric material 1202 completelyfill the space between the first and second stacks of layers 804, 806 inthe x-direction. In some embodiments, the gate electrode material 1302is formed by way of a deposition process (e.g., CVD, PVD, PE-CVD, ALD,sputtering, etc.). In some embodiments, the gate electrode material 1302comprises a semiconductor material such as polysilicon or a conductivematerial such as, for example, titanium nitride, tungsten, or some othersuitable conductive material.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1400 of FIG. 14 , a fourth removalprocess may be performed to remove portions of the gate dielectricmaterial (1202 of FIG. 13 ) and the gate electrode material (1302 ofFIG. 13 ) that are arranged above the fourth dielectric layer (616 ofFIG. 13 ) to form a gate dielectric layer 118 surrounding a verticalgate electrode 116. Further, the vertical gate electrode 116 separates afirst vertical fuse one-time program (OTP) transistor 101 from a secondvertical fuse OTP transistor 103 and separates a third vertical fuse OTPtransistor 401 from a fourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403. Theresulting OTP memory device comprises a 2 vertical fuse OTP transistorby a 2 vertical fuse OTP transistor vertical fuse OTP memory array. Itwill be appreciated that the method illustrated in FIGS. 6-14 may bemodified to form other sized vertical fuse OTP memory arrays.

In such embodiments, the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101comprises the first and second conductive layers (602, 606 of FIG. 13 )and the first and second dielectric layers (604, 608 of FIG. 13 ) fromthe first stack of layers (804 of FIG. 13 ). In such embodiments, thefirst conductive layer (602 of FIG. 13 ) of the first stack of layers(804 of FIG. 13 ) forms a first source/drain region 104 that correspondsto a first source-line SL1, and the second conductive layer (606 of FIG.13 ) of the first stack of layers forms a second source/drain region 106that corresponds to a first bit-line BL1. Further, the first dielectriclayer (604 of FIG. 13 ) of the first stack of layers (804 of FIG. 13 )forms a first channel isolation structure 108, wherein the channelstructures (1102 of FIG. 13 ) surrounding the first channel isolationstructure 108 correspond to first and second channel structures 110, 112of the first vertical fuse OTP transistor 101. Further, the seconddielectric layer (608 of FIG. 13 ) of the first stack of layers (804 ofFIG. 13 ) corresponds to a first dielectric isolation structure 114.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the second OTP vertical fuse transistor103 comprises a third source/drain region 124/second source-line SL2, afourth source/drain region 126/second bit-line BL2, a second channelisolation structure 128, third and fourth channel structures 130, 132,and a second dielectric isolation structure 134 respectively formed fromthe first conductive layer (602 of FIG. 13 ), the second conductivelayer (606 of FIG. 13 ), the first dielectric layer (604 of FIG. 13 ),the channel structures (1102 of FIG. 13 ), and the second dielectriclayer (608 of FIG. 13 ) of the second stack of layers (806 of FIG. 13 ).

In some embodiments, the third vertical fuse OTP transistor 401 isformed directly over the first dielectric isolation structure 114 of thefirst vertical fuse OTP transistor 101. In such embodiments, the thirdvertical fuse OTP transistor 401 comprises a fifth source/drain region404/third source-line SL3, a sixth source/drain region 406/thirdbit-line BL3, a third channel isolation structure 408, fifth and sixthchannel structures 410, 412, and a third dielectric isolation structure414 respectively formed from the third conductive layer (610 of FIG. 13), the fourth conductive layer (614 of FIG. 13 ), the third dielectriclayer (612 of FIG. 13 ), the channel structures (1102 of FIG. 13 ), andthe fourth dielectric layer (616 of FIG. 13 ) of the first stack oflayers (804 of FIG. 13 ).

In some embodiments, the fourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403 isformed directly over the second dielectric isolation structure 134 ofthe second vertical fuse OTP transistor 103. In such embodiments, thefourth vertical fuse OTP transistor 403 comprises a seventh source/drainregion 424/fourth source-line SL4, an eighth source/drain region426/fourth bit-line BL4, a fourth channel isolation structure 428,seventh and eighth channel structures 430, 432, and a fourth dielectricisolation structure 434 respectively formed from the third conductivelayer (610 of FIG. 13 ), the fourth conductive layer (614 of FIG. 13 ),the third dielectric layer (612 of FIG. 13 ), the channel structures(1102 of FIG. 13 ), and the fourth dielectric layer (616 of FIG. 13 ) ofthe second stack of layers (806 of FIG. 13 ).

Thus, in such embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth verticalfuse OTP transistors 101, 103, 401, 403 comprise vertically arrangedsource/drain regions (e.g., 104, 106, 124, 126, 404, 406, 424, 426),vertically arranged channel structures (e.g., 110, 130, 410, 430), and ashared vertical gate electrode 116 to increase overall OTP memory devicedensity. Further, the source/drain regions (e.g., 104, 106, 124, 126,404, 406, 424, 426) may serve as bit-lines (e.g., BL1, BL2, BL3, BL4)and source-lines (e.g., SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4), and the vertical gateelectrode 116 may serve as a first word-line WL1 to reduce materials andmanufacturing costs, while also conserving space in the y-direction toincrease overall OTP memory device density.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of some embodiments of a method 1500of forming a vertical fuse OTP memory array comprising 2 vertical fuseOTP memory cells by 2 vertical fuse OTP memory cells.

While method 1500 is illustrated and described below as a series of actsor events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of suchacts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Forexample, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrentlywith other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or describedherein. In addition, not all illustrated acts may be required toimplement one or more aspects or embodiments of the description herein.Further, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out inone or more separate acts and/or phases.

At act 1502, a first conductive layer is formed over a bottom dielectriclayer; a first dielectric layer is formed over the first conductivelayer; a second conductive layer is formed over the first dielectriclayer; and a second dielectric layer is formed over the secondconductive layer. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view 600 of someembodiments corresponding to act 1502.

At act 1504, outer and middle portions of the first conductive layer,the first dielectric layer, the second conductive layer, and the seconddielectric layer are removed to form a first stack of layers and asecond stack of layers spaced apart by a trench. FIG. 8 illustrates across-sectional view 800 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1504.

At act 1506, an isotropic removal process is performed to remove outerexposed portions of the first dielectric layers of the first and secondstacks of layers. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view 900 of someembodiments corresponding to act 1506.

At act 1508, a channel material is formed that directly contacts thefirst dielectric layers of the first and second stacks of layers. FIG.10 illustrates a cross-sectional view 1000 of some embodimentscorresponding to act 1508.

At act 1510, portions of the channel material that do not directlyunderlie the second dielectric layers of the first and second stacks oflayers are removed to form channel structures on the first dielectriclayers of the first and second stacks of layers and to reopen the trenchbetween the first and second stacks of layers. FIG. 11 illustrates across-sectional view of some embodiments corresponding to act 1510.

At act 1512, a gate dielectric layer is formed on sidewalls of the firstand second stacks of layers. FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view1200 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1512.

At act 1514, the trench is filled with a gate electrode material. FIG.13 illustrates a cross-sectional view 1300 of some embodimentscorresponding to act 1514.

At act 1516, portions of the gate dielectric layer and the gateelectrode material that are arranged above the first and second stacksof layers are removed. FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view 1400of some embodiments corresponding to act 1516.

Therefore, the present disclosure relates to a vertical fuse OTP memoryarray having multiple vertically arranged vertical fuse OTP transistorssharing a same vertical gate electrode to increase device density andreduce costs while maintaining device reliability.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to aone-time program (OTP) memory device, comprising: a source-line arrangedover a bottom dielectric layer; a bit-line arranged directly over thesource-line in a first direction; a channel isolation structure arrangeddirectly between the source-line and the bit-line; a channel structurearranged between the source-line and the bit-line and arranged besidethe channel isolation structure in a second direction perpendicular tothe first direction; a vertical gate electrode extending in the firstdirection from the bottom dielectric layer to the bit-line and arrangedbeside the channel isolation structure in the second direction; and agate dielectric layer arranged between the vertical gate electrode andthe bit-line, the source-line, and the channel structure.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a memory array,comprising: a first one-time program (OTP) memory cell, comprising: afirst bit-line (BL) vertically arranged directly over a firstsource-line (SL), a first channel structure separating the first BL fromthe first SL, and a vertical gate electrode laterally beside the firstBL, the first SL, and the first channel structure; and a second OTPmemory cell arranged laterally beside the first OTP memory cell,separated from the first OTP memory cell by the vertical gate electrode,and comprising: a second BL vertically arranged directly over a secondSL, and a second channel structure separating the second BL from thesecond SL.

In yet other embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method offorming a one-time program (OTP) memory device: forming a firstconductive layer over a bottom dielectric layer, a first dielectriclayer over the first conductive layer, a second conductive layer overthe first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer over thesecond conductive layer; removing outer portions and a middle portion ofthe first conductive layer, the first dielectric layer, the secondconductive layer, and the second dielectric layer to form a first stackof layers and a second stack of layers over the bottom dielectric layer,wherein a trench separates the first stack of layers from the secondstack of layers; performing an isotropic removal process to remove outerexposed portions of the first dielectric layers of the first and secondstacks of layers; forming a channel material surrounding the first andsecond stacks of layers, and directly contacting the first dielectriclayers of the first and second stacks of layers; removing portions ofthe channel material that do not directly underlie the second dielectriclayers of the first and second stacks of layers to form channelstructures on the first dielectric layers of the first and second stacksof layers and to reopen the trench between the first and second stacksof layers; forming a gate dielectric layer on sidewalls of the firststack of layers and on the second stack of layers; filling the trenchwith a gate electrode material; and removing portions of the gatedielectric layer and the gate electrode material that are arranged abovethe first and second stacks of layers.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A one-time program (OTP) memory device,comprising: a source-line arranged over a bottom dielectric layer; abit-line; a channel isolation structure arranged directly between thesource-line and the bit-line along a first direction; a channelstructure arranged between the source-line and the bit-line along thefirst direction and further arranged beside the channel isolationstructure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; avertical gate electrode extending in the first direction from the bottomdielectric layer to the bit-line and arranged beside the channelisolation structure in the second direction; and a gate dielectric layerarranged between the vertical gate electrode and the bit-line, thesource-line, and the channel structure.
 2. The OTP memory device ofclaim 1, wherein the channel structure directly contacts the bit-line,the source-line, the channel isolation structure, and the gatedielectric layer.
 3. The OTP memory device of claim 1, wherein thechannel structure is arranged on a first side of the channel isolationstructure, and further comprising: an additional channel structurearranged between the source-line and the bit-line and arranged on asecond side of the channel isolation structure, wherein the additionalchannel structure is separated from the channel structure in the seconddirection by the channel isolation structure.
 4. The OTP memory deviceof claim 1, further comprising: a dielectric isolation structurearranged directly over the bit-line and arranged beside the gatedielectric layer in the second direction.
 5. The OTP memory device ofclaim 4, further comprising: an additional source-line overlying thedielectric isolation structure in the first direction; an additionalbit-line; an additional channel isolation structure arranged directlybetween the additional source-line and the additional bit-line along thefirst direction; and an additional channel structure arranged betweenthe additional source-line and the additional bit-line and arrangedbeside the additional channel isolation structure in the seconddirection, wherein the vertical gate electrode extends in the firstdirection from the bottom dielectric layer to the additional bit-line.6. The OTP memory device of claim 1, wherein the source-line, thebit-line, the channel isolation structure, and the channel structure arearranged on a first side of the vertical gate electrode, and wherein theOTP memory device further comprises: an additional source-line arrangedover the bottom dielectric layer; an additional bit-line; an additionalchannel isolation structure arranged directly between the additionalsource-line and the additional bit-line; and an additional channelstructure arranged between the additional source-line and the additionalbit-line and arranged beside the additional channel isolation structurein the second direction, wherein the additional source-line, theadditional bit-line, the additional channel isolation structure, and theadditional channel structure are arranged on a second side of thevertical gate electrode.
 7. The OTP memory device of claim 6, whereinthe gate dielectric layer is arranged between the second side of thevertical gate electrode and the additional source-line, the additionalbit-line, the additional channel isolation structure, and the additionalchannel structure.
 8. A one-time program (OTP) memory device,comprising: a source-line arranged over a bottom dielectric layer; abit-line; a channel isolation structure arranged between a top of thesource-line and a bottom of the bit-line; a channel structure arrangedbetween the source-line and the bit-line and along an outermost sidewallof the channel isolation structure; a gate dielectric arranged alongsidewalls of the source-line, the channel structure, and the bit-line;and a gate electrode extending along a sidewall of the gate dielectricfrom vertically below the channel structure to vertically above thechannel structure.
 9. The OTP memory device of claim 8, wherein the gatedielectric continuously extends from along a first outermost sidewall ofthe gate electrode, to along a bottom surface of the gate electrode, andto along an opposing second outermost sidewall of the gate electrode.10. The OTP memory device of claim 9, wherein the gate dielectric andthe gate electrode have substantially planar upper surfaces.
 11. The OTPmemory device of claim 8, wherein the channel structure has opposingoutermost sidewalls arranged between an outermost sidewall of the gatedielectric and the outermost sidewall of the channel isolationstructure.
 12. The OTP memory device of claim 8, wherein the channelstructure comprises polysilicon or a metal.
 13. The OTP memory device ofclaim 8, further comprising: a first dielectric isolation structurearranged over the bit-line, wherein the gate dielectric is disposedalong a first outermost sidewall of the first dielectric isolationstructure; and an additional gate dielectric disposed along an opposingsecond outermost sidewall of the first dielectric isolation structure.14. The OTP memory device of claim 13, further comprising: a secondsource-line arranged over the first dielectric isolation structure; asecond bit-line; a second channel isolation structure arranged directlybetween the second source-line and the second bit-line; and a secondchannel structure arranged directly between the second source-line andthe second bit-line and along an outermost sidewall of the secondchannel isolation structure that faces the gate dielectric.
 15. The OTPmemory device of claim 14, wherein the gate dielectric and the gateelectrode extend along sidewalls of the second source-line, the secondchannel structure, and the second bit-line.
 16. The OTP memory device ofclaim 8, wherein the channel structure is configured to be damagedduring operation to store a data state.
 17. A one-time program (OTP)memory device, comprising: a source arranged over a substrate; a drain;a channel isolation dielectric, the channel isolation dielectric beingdirectly over the source and the drain being directly over the channelisolation dielectric, wherein the channel isolation dielectric islaterally recessed from sidewalls of the source and the drain to form arecess below the drain; a channel layer arranged within the recess; agate dielectric disposed on the sidewalls of the source and the drain,and a sidewall of the channel layer; and a gate electrode extendingalong a sidewall of the gate dielectric from below the channel layer toabove the drain.
 18. The OTP memory device of claim 17, wherein thechannel layer is configured to be substantially irreversibly damaged tostore a data state.
 19. The OTP memory device of claim 17, furthercomprising: a second source arranged over the substrate; a second drainarranged over the second source; a second channel isolation dielectricarranged directly between the second source and the second drain,wherein the second channel isolation dielectric is laterally recessedfrom sidewalls of the second source and the second drain to form asecond recess below the second drain; and a second channel layerarranged within the second recess, wherein the gate dielectric isarranged between the gate electrode and the second source, the secondchannel layer, and the second drain.
 20. The OTP memory device of claim17, further comprising: a second channel layer arranged on an outermostsidewall of the channel isolation dielectric that faces away from thegate dielectric; a second gate dielectric disposed on second sidewallsof the source, the drain, and the second channel layer; and a secondgate electrode extending along a sidewall of the second gate dielectricfrom below the second channel layer to above the drain.